EUSTACE -- A new Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine cover story identifying Purtis Creek State Park as one of "10 Hidden Gems" should help draw some tourism to the Cedar Creek Lake area this summer.
The magazine urges travelers to "beat the crowds and discover 10 of Texas' overlooked state parks" as they make their summer travel plans.
Purtis Creek State Park, which sits in Henderson and Van Zandt Counties just a few miles to the east of Eustace in the post oak belt touts the park's "glassy 355-acre lake" as the park's main draw.
The lake's 50-boat limit and slow speed restrictions make it perfect for paddling, the story notes. The park rents canoes, kayaks and paddle boats.
Efforts to restore native vegetation and reduce grass carp numbers are expected to let the park reclaim its status as the "Best Little Bass Fishing Lake in Texas," according to the article.
Other state parks identified in the article as hidden gems are Village Creek State Park, Seminole Canyon State Park, Copper Breaks State Park,Caprock Canyon State Park, Kickapoo Cavern State Park, Estero Llano Grande State Park, Fort Richardson State Park, Goliad State Park and Meridian State Park.
For information about Purtis Creek State Park call 903-425-2332 or visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/purtiscreek.
Visit the magazine's website at www.tpwmagazine.com